Low tourniquet pressure has less impact on lower extremity nerve innervation: comparison of different tourniquet pressures used with intraoperative neuromonitoring with a randomized controlled study.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to investigate the compression and ischemic effects of two different tourniquet pressures on tissues during surgery show a clinical difference. METHODS: Patients aged 18-65 years who underwent foot and ankle surgery and applied a tourniquet in a single center between September 2022 and November 2023 were included in this prospective randomized study. Accordingly, tourniquet pressures were applied as limb occlusion pressure (LOP) + 50 mmHg in group 1 (12 patients) and LOP + 100 mmHg in group 2 (12 patients). The time point at which the femoral nerve motor evoked potential (MEP) decreased by 50%, the time point at which the MEP decreased by 100% for all nerves (femoral, tibial, and deep peroneal), and the time point at which all responses returned after the tourniquet was deflated were identified as the time points for analysis. RESULTS: There were no differences in demographic data (age, body mass index, and sex) between the two groups. The mean tourniquet pressure was 191 ± 16 mmHg in Group 1 and 247 ± 21 mmHg in Group 2 (p < 0.001). A 50% decrease in the femoral nerve MEP value was observed at an average of 47 min in Group 1 and 34 min in Group 2 (p < 0.001). A complete loss of MEP responses for all nerves was observed at an average of 69 min in Group 1 and 56 min in Group 2. After the tourniquet was deflated, all MEP responses returned to baseline values at an average of 8.5 min in Group 1 and 12.6 min in Group 2 (p = 0.007). The results showed that lower limb nerve innervation was affected later and returned to normal earlier after deflation of the tourniquet in Group 1 (low tourniquet pressure group). CONCLUSIONS: The innervations of the lower extremity nerves were affected later in the group in which low tourniquet pressure was applied (average 191 mmHg). Again, in this group (LOP + 50 mmHg), nerve conduction recovered an average of 10 min after deflation and four minutes earlier than in the high tourniquet pressure group. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, diagnostic study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT05926154.

Fluid preloading before beach chair positioning for arthroscopic shoulder procedures: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Background and objectives The Beach Chair Position (BCP) has many advantages such as less neurovascular injury and better intra-articular visualization, but it has also negative consequences, including hemodynamic instability. Although maintaining normal Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) is important, fluid management is also a crucial concept for hemodynamic stability. The main objective of this study is whether preloading before positioning would be effective for less hemodynamic instability. Methods This randomized, controlled study was conducted in a single center in the Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine. Forty-nine patients undergoing elective arthroscopic surgery in the BCP were recruited. In the study group, crystalloid fluid at 10 mL.kg-1 of ideal body weight was administered intravenously 30 min before the BCP for preloading. The primary outcome measures were differences of hemodynamic variables as MAP, Stroke Volume (SV), Heart Rate (HR), and Cardiac Output (CO). The secondary outcome measures were Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) rates in postoperative first day, surgical satisfaction scale, total ephedrine dose used during surgery, and total amount of fluid. Results The MAP, CO, and SV measurements of the study group were higher than those of the control group in the 5th minute after the BCP (respectively, p= 0.001, p= 0.016, p= 0.01). The total amount of crystalloid and surgical satisfaction scales were higher in the study group (respectively, p= 0.016, p= 0.001). Total amount of colloid and ephedrine dose used in the intraoperative period, and PONV rates were lower in the study group (p= 0.003, p= 0.018, p= 0.019, respectively). Conclusion Consequently, preloading can be favorable approach to preserve hemodynamic stability.

Vitamins C and E protect from sepsis-induced lung damage in rat and CT correlation.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is one of the leading causes of death in intensive care units worldwide. Vitamins C and E are natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Suppressing the inflammation is an important treatment target because it plays a role in the pathophysiology of sepsis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamins C and E treatment in rats with sepsis-induced lung damage. METHODS: In this animal study, fecal intraperitoneal injection procedure (FIP) was performed on 30 of 40 rats included for creating a sepsis model. Rats were randomly assigned into four groups: Group 1, control group (no procedure was applied, n = 10), Group 2, FIP (untreated septic group n = 10), Group 3, FIP+vitC (treated with 500 mg/kg/day ascorbic acid, n = 10), and Group 4, FIP+vitE (treated with 300 mg/kg/day alpha-tocopherol, n = 10). Chest CT was performed in all rats and density of the lungs was measured by using Hounsfield unit (HU). Histopathological examination of lung damage was performed, and blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. RESULTS: TNF-α, CRP, IL 1-ß, IL-6, and MDA plasma levels in groups treated with vitamin C or vitamin E were lower than in the FIP group. Histological scores in groups treated either with vitamin C or vitamin E were significantly lower as compared to those in the FIP group. The HU value of lung in groups treated wither with vitamin C or vitamin E were lower than that in the FIP group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The rats treated either with vitamin C or E showed improved results for sepsis. We think that they can be used as adjuvant therapy for septic patients because of their effectivity and low costs (Tab. 3, Fig. 2, Ref. 27).

Comparison of analgesic consumption of hemophilic and non-hemophilic patients in knee arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Hemophilia is a rare hereditary bleeding disorder that develops as a result of factor VIII or IX deficiency. Long-term complications of hemophilia such as arthropathy, synovitis, and arthritis can lead to the development of recurrent chronic pain. Pain is therefore a critical aspect of hemophilia. The gold standard treatment for end-stage hemophilic knee arthropathy is total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The hypothesis of this study was that after knee replacement surgeries that cause severe post-operative pain, hemophilia patients with chronic analgesic consumption may experience higher levels of pain than non-hemophilic patients, and use more opioid and non-opioid drugs. METHODS: This retrospective study included 82 patients who were hemophilic and non-hemophilic TKA patients operated under general anesthesia. Seventy-three patients were evaluated and divided into two groups according to the diagnosis of hemophilia: 36 patients were investigated in the hemophilic group and 37 patients in the non-hemophilic group. RESULTS: Post-operative tramadol consumption (p=0.002) and pethidine consumption (p=0.003) were significantly higher in the group hemophilia. The length of stay in the hospital was also significantly longer in the hemophilic group (p=0.0001). CONCLUSION: In the light of these informations, we think that acute post-operative pain management of hemophilia patients should be planned as personalized, multimodal preventive, and pre-emptive analgesia.

Comparison of Stroke Volume Variation-based goal-directed Therapy Versus Standard Fluid Therapy in Patients Undergoing Head and Neck Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Study

Background: Perioperative fluid therapy is used to avoid dehydration and hypovolemia. Optimum perioperative fluid administration may improve postoperative outcomes after major surgery, and the optimal strategy remains controversial and uncertain. Aims: The primary outcome was the total amount of intraoperative fluids given between perioperative goal-directed fluid therapy (GDFT) guided by a hemodynamic monitoring system and standard fluid therapy based on "mean arterial pressure-diuresis" data in patients undergoing head and neck surgery. The secondary outcomes were the hemodynamics and laboratory variables, postoperative complications, length of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit and hospital stay. Study Design: A randomized controlled study. Methods: Sixty patients were scheduled and randomized into two groups of 30 patients each: in the study group, an arterial pressure catheter was inserted and connected to the FloTrac system, whereas in the control group, an arterial pressure catheter was inserted and integrated into the hemodynamic monitoring system with a special transducer. The control group had fluids administered at the discretion of the anesthesiologist according to the mean arterial pressure >65 mmHg and diuresis >0.5 ml/kg/h. In the study group, fluid management was administered to achieve a target value of ≤13% through the stroke volume variation. Results: The total amounts of fluid in the intraoperative period were different between the groups, with the study group receiving significantly more fluids (P = 0.0455). The length of hospital stay was significantly longer in the study group than in the control group (P = 0.012), but prolonged oxygen demand was significantly more frequent in the control group than in the study group (P = 0.017). No difference was found in hemodynamics, lactate kinetics, and vasoactive agent requirements. Conclusion: The standard fluid therapy guided by conventional circulatory parameters appears sufficient for patients with low-tomoderate risk during head and neck surgery.

Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Infraclavicular Brachial Plexus Block Sensorial Duration in Diabetic and Non-diabetic Patients: A Prospective Observational Study.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common complications of diabetes mellitus. Recovery from peripheral nerve blocks in diabetic patients with neuropathy may be delayed because of axonal degeneration and segmental demyelination. The aim of this study is to compare the infraclavicular brachial plexus block durations in patients with and without diabetes mellitus type 2. METHODS: This prospective observational study included 60 patients who were aged 40-80 years, with American Society of Anesthesiologists I-IV physical status and scheduled for elbow, forearm, and/or hand surgery under infraclavicular brachial plexus blocks. All 30 patients in Group DM (patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 diagnosis) and 29/30 patients in Group NODM (patients without diabetes mellitus diagnosis) completed the study successfully. The sensorial block duration was documented as the primary outcome, and the motor block duration, time-to-first pain, numeric rating scale scores at rest/during mobilization, rescue analgesic use, and total consumed doses through the first 2 postoperative days were all documented as the secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Sensorial block duration in Group DM (505 [315-1020] minutes) was longer than in Group NODM (440 [160-780] minutes) (P =.016). Motor block duration was also longer (488.7 ± 153.8 minutes vs 379.2 ± 118.9 minutes; P =.003), and time-to-first pain was prolonged (625 [360-1200] minutes vs 520 [300-900] minutes; P =.004) in Group DM. The highest NRS scores at the 6th hours, 12th hours, and rescue analgesic consumption through the first 2 postoperative days were lower in Group DM (P < .05). CONCLUSION: This infraclavicular brachial plexus block study highlights the current literature on diabetic patients with respect to longer block durations, prolonged time-to-first pain, lower pain scores, and less analgesic consumption.

Comparison of nighttime and daytime operation on outcomes of supracondylar humeral fractures: A prospective observational study.

Supracondylar humeral fractures are seen in children and treatment is usually closed reduction and percutaneous pinning (CRPP). This surgery can be performed at night, depending on its urgency. Fatigue and sleep deprivation can impact performance of doctors during night shifts. The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between night shifts postoperative morbidity and mortality of supracondylar fracture operations compared to daytime procedures. This prospective observational study included 94 patients who were aged 5 to 12 years with ASA I to III who had supracondylar humeral fractures, underwent CRPP under general anesthesia. Patients were stratified by the time of surgery using time of induction of anesthesia as the starting time of the procedure, into 2 groups: day (07:30 am-06:29 pm) and night (06:30 pm-07:29 am). In total, 82 patients completed the study: 43 in Group Day and 39 in Group Night. The operation duration in Group Night (114.66 ± 29.46 minutes) was significantly longer than in Group Day (84.32 ± 25.9 minutes) (P = .0001). Operation duration (OR: 0.007; P = .0001) and morbidities (OR: 0.417; P = .035) were independent risk factors in Group Night. Children who had supracondylar humeral fractures, undergoing urgent CRPP surgery, in-hospital mortality was associated with the time of day at which the procedure was performed. Patient safety is critically important for pediatric traumatic patient population. Therefore, we suggested to increase the number of healthcare workers and improve the education and experience of young doctors during night shifts.

Postoperative Pain in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common type of scoliosis, and its treatment is essentially surgical for curves above 40 degrees. Posterior spinal instrumentation (PI) is the usual technique, while the vertebral body tethering (VBT) method is tested technique for this study as a new treatment option. OBJECTIVES: To compare postoperative pain outcomes between PI and VBT with mini-thoracotomy surgeries performed in AIS patients. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized controlled study registered with the Clinical Trials Portal (NCT04822935). SETTING: Department of Anesthesiology. METHODS: We randomly divided 31 adolescents (28 women, 3 men) aged 11 to 18, with a diagnosis of AIS into 2 groups using computer software: the PI and the VBT groups. Postoperative morphine consumption and the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRS) scores at the 1st, 4th, 8th, 12th, 24th, and 48th hours and at 4 weeks were recorded. Length of hospital stays, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stays, duration of operation, postoperative patient satisfaction with the Likert scale, and complications such as bleeding and respiratory distress were recorded. Preoperative and follow-up Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) questionnaires were obtained to assess patient outcomes at 4 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: Postoperative morphine consumption and the NRS scores at the 1st, 4th, 8th, 12th, 24th, and 48th hours were significantly higher in group VBT (P < 0.05). The amount of bleeding was significantly higher in group PI (P = 0.002). The ICU and the hospital length of stays in the VBT group were significantly higher (respectively, P = 0.011; P = 0.032). Discharge NRS scores, ODI scores as well as patients' satisfaction were similar in both groups (P > 0.05). LIMITATIONS: Firstly, this was a single-centered study with a small sample owing to the rarity of AIS surgeries. Moreover, double-blinding was not applied to the patients and doctors because of the surgery incision places. CONCLUSION: From our results, both techniques can be employed for AIS surgery, but a meticulous approach is essential for the prevention of acute pain for VBT.

Fluid preloading before beach chair positioning for arthroscopic shoulder procedures: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Beach Chair Position (BCP) has many advantages such as less neurovascular injury and better intra-articular visualization, but it has also negative consequences, including hemodynamic instability. Although maintaining normal Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) is important, fluid management is also a crucial concept for hemodynamic stability. The main objective of this study is whether preloading before positioning would be effective for less hemodynamic instability. METHODS: This randomized, controlled study was conducted in a single center in the Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine. Forty-nine patients undergoing elective arthroscopic surgery in the BCP were recruited. In the study group, crystalloid fluid at 10...mL.kg-1 of ideal body weight was administered intravenously 30...min before the BCP for preloading. The primary outcome measures were differences of hemodynamic variables as MAP, Stroke Volume (SV), Heart Rate (HR), and Cardiac Output (CO). The secondary outcome measures were Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) rates in postoperative first day, surgical satisfaction scale, total ephedrine dose used during surgery, and total amount of fluid. RESULTS: The MAP, CO, and SV measurements of the study group were higher than those of the control group in the 5th minute after the BCP (respectively, p...=...0.001, p...=...0.016, p...=...0.01). The total amount of crystalloid and surgical satisfaction scales were higher in the study group (respectively, p...=...0.016, p...=...0.001). Total amount of colloid and ephedrine dose used in the intraoperative period, and PONV rates were lower in the study group (p...=...0.003, p...=...0.018, p...=...0.019, respectively). CONCLUSION: Consequently, preloading can be favorable approach to preserve hemodynamic stability.

Effects of Changes in Body Temperature on Perioperative Bleeding in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis Surgery.

Perioperative bleeding is a critical challenge in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) surgery. Preventing hypothermia is associated with decreased development of coagulopathy, blood transfusion rate in various surgery groups. We hypothesized that blood loss would be reduced in patients who were kept normothermic by implementation of aggressive warming methods in AIS. This randomized-controlled study included patients aged 12-18 years who were scheduled to undergo elective scoliosis deformity correction surgery. The patients were divided into two groups: the study group (Group S) was heated aggressively with three different heaters including compressed-air blower heater, intravenous fluid heating, and a heating bed, while the control group (Group C) received only heating with a standard compressed-air blower heater. Tympanic, esophageal, and axillary body temperatures were measured, and hemoglobin and arterial blood gas analyses were repeated during the anesthesia period. Daily bleeding-coagulation parameters were recorded on postoperative days 0, 1, and 2. Forty-eight patients were randomized, and 39 patients were included into the final analysis. The total amount of intraoperative bleeding (p = 0.027) was significantly lower, and duration of surgery (p = 0.025) and length of hospital stay (p = 0.002) were significantly shorter in Group S. Significant linear relationships were found between the core body temperature and the amount of bleeding (ß = 0.0001; p = 0.009), operation time (ß = 0.003; p = 0.015), and length of hospital stay (ß = 0.027; p = 0.044) with linear logistic regression analysis. We reported that normothermia was preserved in the multiheated group, which diminished blood loss, operation time, and the length of hospital stay. Consequently, we suggested that active heating should be applied in AIS surgeries. ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04686214).

Anesthetic management of scoliosis operation in a pediatric patient with Frank-ter Haar syndrome: a case report.

Frank-ter Haar syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by multiple skeletal, cardiovascular abnormalities, and facial features. Some of these characteristic facial features are important for anesthesiologists to predict the difficult airway. We present the anesthesia management of an 8-year-old boy with Frank-ter Haar syndrome who underwent posterior spinal instrumentation operation for scoliosis. In these patients, it is vital to anticipate possible difficult intubation before surgery and make all necessary preparations.

Retrospective Analysis of Ultrasound-Guided Infraclavicular Block: Effect of Experience of Anesthesiologists on Volume of Local Anesthetic Administered.

Performing a block under ultrasound guidance effectively requires skill; however, inexperienced anesthesiologists often use high-dose LA to ensure success. We aimed to share our experience with the ultrasound-guided infraclavicular brachial plexus block (USGICB) for upper extremity surgeries and to determine changes in failure rate and local anesthetic dose administered with gaining adequate experience. With approval from the local ethics committee, a retrospective review of records of 2953 patients who underwent USGICB between November 2011 and March 2015 was performed for evaluating the following data: age, sex, height, weight, operation type, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status score, local anesthetic volume, complications, and success of USGICB. The patients were divided into 4 groups of 10 months each from November 2011 to March 2015: first 10-month period, 628 cases (group I); second 10-month period, 672 (group II); third 10-month period, 720 (group III); and the fourth 10-month period, 933 cases (group IV). Nine anesthesiologists with the same baseline experience in USG performed the blocks. During the initial period, when anesthesiologists had insufficient experience, local anesthetic (LA) dose, success rate, failed blocks, and complications were investigated. The LA volume administered in group I (33.7 ± 4.2 ml) was significantly higher than that in groups II, III, and IV (p < 0.05). Although a reduction in LA volume administered with increasing anesthesiologist experience was not statistically significant, a volume reduction of over 30 ml was observed in groups II, III, and IV compared with group I. Furthermore, in group I, failure rate (3.2%) was higher than that in groups II, III, and IV (p < 0.05). We concluded that sonographic guidance ensures a high success rate and that increased experience of anesthesiologists is associated with reduced complications and failure rate of blocks, in addition to prevention of LA overdose.

The relationship between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and postoperative pain in total knee and hip arthroplasty / Relação entre a proporção neutrófilo/linfócito e a dor pós-operatória em artroplastia total de joelho e quadril

Abstract Background and objectives: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio is a simple, cost-effective and easily applicable inflammation indicator that is being used frequently in mortality, morbidity and prognosis studies in the recent years. We evaluated the relationship between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and postoperative pain in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty. Material and methods: We included 101 patients who preferred spinal anesthesia and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia in accordance and divided them into two groups, total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty. We recorded demographic information, duration of operation, length of hospital stay, analgesics consumption, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio results and postoperative pain using Visual Analog Scale. Results: The morphine consumption of the patients was as follows in group total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty: at the 4th hour: 7.38 mg, 7.80 mg; 8th hour: 12.19 mg, 13.29 mg; 12th hour: 16.94 mg, 19.18 mg; 24th hour: 25.97 mg, 27.98 mg; 48th hour: 36.38 mg, 39.59 mg. The Visual Analog Scale scores of the patients was as follows in group total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty: at the 4th hour: 4.10, 4.51; 8th hour: 3.02, 3.43; 12th hour: 2.29, 2.55; 24th hour: 1.90, 1.87; 48th hour: 1.08, 1.13. In group total hip arthroplasty, we found a statistically significant association between postoperative neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and the Visual Analog Scale values on the 48th hour in a positive direction (r = 0.311; P = 0.031; P < 0.05). Conclusion: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio can be accepted as a relatively objective method for the diagnosis of postoperative pain.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: A proporção entre neutrófilo/linfócito é um indicador de inflamação simples, custo-efetivo e de fácil aplicação que vem sendo usado com frequência em estudos de mortalidade, morbidade e prognóstico nos últimos anos. Avaliamos a relação entre a proporção neutrófilo/linfócito e a dor pós-operatória em pacientes submetidos à artroplastia total de quadril e artroplastia total de joelho. Material e métodos: No total, 101 pacientes que preferiram a raquianestesia e a analgesia venosa controlada pelo paciente foram incluídos e divididos em dois grupos neste estudo: artroplastia total de quadril e artroplastia total de joelho. Os dados demográficos e os tempos de operação, internação hospitalar e consumo de analgésicos e os resultados da proporção neutrófilo/linfócito e da dor pós-operatória foram registrados usando uma escala visual analógica. Resultados: O consumo de morfina dos pacientes submetidos à artroplastia total de quadril e artroplastia total de joelho nas horas 4, 8, 12, 24 e 45 foi de, respectivamente: 7,38 mg e 7,80 mg; 12,19 mg e 13,29 mg; 16,94 mg e 19,18 mg; 25,97 mg e 27,98 mg; 36,38 mg e 39,59 mg. Os escores obtidos na escala visual analógica dos pacientes submetidos à artroplastia total de quadril e artroplastia total de joelho nas horas 4, 8, 12, 24 e 48 foram, respectivamente: 4,10 e 4,51; 3,02 e 3,43; 2,29 e 2,55; 1,90 e 1,87; 1,08 e 1,13. Na artroplastia total do quadril, uma associação estatisticamente significativa foi encontrada entre a proporção neutrófilo/linfócito no pós-operatório e os valores da escala visual analógica na 48ª hora em uma direção positiva (r = 0,311; p = 0,031; p < 0,05). Conclusão: A proporção neutrófilo/linfócito pode ser aceita como um método relativamente objetivo para o diagnóstico da dor pós-operatória.

[The relationship between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and postoperative pain in total knee and hip arthroplasty]. / Relação entre a proporção neutrófilo/linfócito e a dor pós­operatória em artroplastia total de joelho e quadril.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio is a simple, cost-effective and easily applicable inflammation indicator that is being used frequently in mortality, morbidity and prognosis studies in the recent years. We evaluated the relationship between neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and postoperative pain in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 101 patients who preferred spinal anesthesia and intravenous patient-controlled analgesia in accordance and divided them into two groups, total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty. We recorded demographic information, duration of operation, length of hospital stay, analgesics consumption, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio results and postoperative pain using Visual Analog Scale. RESULTS: The morphine consumption of the patients was as follows in group total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty: at the 4th hour: 7.38mg, 7.80mg; 8th hour: 12.19mg, 13.29mg; 12th hour: 16.94mg, 19.18mg; 24th hour: 25.97mg, 27.98mg; 48th hour: 36.38mg, 39.59mg. The Visual Analog Scale scores of the patients was as follows in group total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty: at the 4th hour: 4.10, 4.51; 8th hour: 3.02, 3.43; 12th hour: 2.29, 2.55; 24th hour: 1.90, 1.87; 48th hour: 1.08, 1.13. In group total hip arthroplasty, we found a statistically significant association between postoperative neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and the Visual Analog Scale values on the 48th hour in a positive direction (r=0.311; P=0.031; P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio can be accepted as a relatively objective method for the diagnosis of postoperative pain.